The Supreme Court on March 6 refused UP Minister Gayatri Parajapatiâ€™s plea to stay his arrest order in connection with a gang-rape and sexual harassment case. Prajapati had filed a petition challenging the courtâ€™s order which was rejected by the court bench headed by Justice Arjan Kumar. The bench has asked Prajapati to move to a lower court if he wants any relief in the case. Prajapati has been absconding since February 27 after an FIR was filed against him.

“The law should take its course if there is a non-bailable warrant against him. Prajapati can approach the concerned court for seeking bail if he is arrested,” the apex court said.

“A non-bailable warrant has been issued against Prajapati after an FIR was registered against him in rape case. The serious question of constitutional morality and dignity arise on his remaining in the cabinet”, Governor said in a letter to CM seeking his “justification on retaining the minister”.